Dispatches looks at Disability Living Allowance

Speaking ahead of Channel 4's Dispatches on Disability Living Allowance, Richard Hawkes, chief executive of disability charity Scope said:

"In 2013 disabled people are struggling to make ends meet. Life costs more if you're disabled. But this year living costs are spiralling, income is flat-lining and the government is squeezing financial support. Disabled people are getting further into debt. And if they are out of work the support available is not up to scratch. The big picture is frightening.

"One of the biggest concerns for disabled people is Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It's a lifeline for millions. It helps people meet the extra costs of living with a disability. With spiralling living costs it's even more crucial than before.

"DLA needs reforming and we back the Government's aim to create a better targeted benefit through PIP. But disabled people are frightened by the Government's plans. They believe it's just an excuse to cut their support.

"It doesn't help that the Minister is able to predict exactly how many disabled people will receive support before they have even been tested? This raises alarming questions that the Government is working to set targets.

"For months now we have been saying the Government's assessment for the new Personal Independence Payment is deeply flawed. It looks set to repeat the mistakes of the Work Capability Assessment. "It doesn't take into account all the barriers that disabled people face in daily life. This means the support won't be targeted to those that really need it.

"If the Government is serious about a Paralympics legacy where disabled people can fulfil their potential, they urgently need to reconsider their approach to welfare.

"The vast majority of disabled people need support. That doesn't make them feckless, they aren't workshy or scroungers. Benefits can be a good thing, enabling people to live the kind of lives everyone else takes for granted."

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